International Cover Letters

The world over employers looks for the same qualities in their applicants regardless of whether the job is in the USA, Poland or China. However candidates should be aware that there might be subtle conventions associated with the international cover letters and job application process within different countries.

Manage your online presence on LinkedIn, XING or Facebook. Hiring managers use them more frequently to consult your profile and supplement or check against the CV/resume you send along. Eliminate any photos and statements that could reflect poorly on you. From an employer’s point of view, someone who emphasizes partying on a social networking site is not focused on jobs and those who post complaints about work or colleagues are less desirable candidates. Online CVs/resumes should not include sensitive information as they could show lack of respect for confidentiality and discretion.

International Cover Letters Content

The international cover letters are integral part of your job applications. They should refer to your present and future plans, showing your prospective employers what you want to do now and what you will do for them in the future.

Often the international cover letters are more important or convincing to employers then the accompanying international CV / resume because they refer mainly to the past time with exception of your present job.

Recruiters and employers are interested mostly in the future of companies and organizations they represent.

In general what goes into your international cover letters does not vary greatly when applying for jobs in different countries. However, companies and organizations outside the United States and Canada are under no legal constrains as to what information they may inquire from a potential job candidate.

Stating of age, marital status, number of dependents, spouse's occupation, health condition, passport number, ethnic background, religion, overseas living and working experience, security clearance and even including a recent color photograph etc. may be essential for a foreign company to consider you.

International Cover Letters Format

The length of international cover letters varies greatly in different countries. Most often the international cover letters are typed on one page. In some countries the cover letter need to be handwritten.

Check the spelling and grammar of your international cover letters. Use the word processor's spell and grammar checker. If you are not confident of your ability to detect grammatical, punctuation and English or other language usage errors or if you need help in organizing your cover letter, send it to a professional for assistance.

Remember that your international cover letter must be targeted, scannable and generate hits. If you have a difficulty with your cover letter writing, instead of staring at a blank piece of paper, try use one of these: